The University of Northern Iowa has appointed Drew Conrad as the new executive director of business and community services (BCS), the economic development outreach arm of the Wilson College of Business. Conrad succeeds Randy Pilkington, who retired after nearly 40 years in the role. Conrad began his new role Tuesday. He will also continue his role as director for the Institute for Decision Making, the economic and community development outreach unit of Business and Community Services at UNI. He has over three decades of experience in local and statewide economic development planning, research and technical assistance. “I am extremely honored to be entrusted with leading BCS and helping our programs,” Conrad said in a prepared statement. “We pride ourselves on serving all 99 counties in Iowa, and that is a testament to the leadership and vision Randy Pilkington has provided us for decades. We will continue to focus on sustaining and growing our impact by helping to meet the changing needs of Iowa’s communities and businesses.”